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Mid use in this area is citrus. The subject property is approximately one mile from the nearest concentration of residential development. The desirability of this area for residential development will increase in the future as the development in the Vero Beach and south county areas spread further west. This will also be influenced by the parcel's proximity to 43rd Avenue which is a minor arterial roadway connecting southern Indian River County with St. Lucie County. The Agricultural Zoning District permits those uses which are normally found in rural and agricultural areas. Agricultural uses, while not incompatible with low and rural residential development, are permitted only as accessory uses in the low-density single-family zoning district. As a result, many agricultural uses are non -conforming while new or changed agricultural uses require rezoning. Since the subject property is relatively removed from the existing developed areas, it is not likely that this area will be developed in the immediate future. An agricultural rezoning would not reduce the development potential at this time; however, any future residential development or subdivision adjacent to this or any other agricultural operation will be required to provide buffers. Conclusion The subject property is located in a rural area of the county dominated by agricultural uses. While currently designated for low-density residential uses, it is not likely that this type of development will occur for some time in the future. The proposed agricultural zoning would not create a noticeable change in the existing land use in this area. It is, therefore, the opinion of staff that the proposed zoning change would be reasonable and not limit the .prospects for future development. RECOMMENDATION Based on the analysis performed, staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve this request. Chairman Wheeler opened the Public Hearing, and asked if anyone wished to be heard in the matter. Attorney Christopher Marine, representing the applicant, explained that the applicant is requesting that his property be down -zoned so that they can put the property back into citrus. The prior owner let the groves go, and due to a broadstroke in rezoning, the property was included in a RS -3 zoning district. However, the closest subdivision is about a mile away. Most of the surrounding property is agricultural, except for a small cluster of unplatted single-family property directly to the east bordering on 43rd Avenue. The area clearly is predominantly 15 OCT 3199 BOOK 7c) 70